A/N: So BIG update, I have FINISHED Magical Orphans, I have literally typed The End to this story. It's very sad, but I hope you all understand this was supposed to be a short story.
Thank you all for your reviews, and I'm sorry for the space between updates, life just happens, I hope you all can understand.
I do have a new story in the planning stages, and the BEGINNING of write stages, so don't worry that I'll just disappear and stop writing!
Please continue to love this story with your reviews, they bring so much joy to this tender-hearted, fluffy author.
I hope to have the final chapter AND epilogue for you this week.
Chapter 10
The end of January was approaching and Draco and Hermione had finally narrowed down the selection of houses they wanted to take a look at. Over the past week, Ariana had begun sleeping a few nights in her room the whole night. It was a small relief for the couple, as they could now enjoy their bed until Finnley awoke at four in the morning.
Hermione had officially ended her job, and was more relieved than she could explain. She consistently thanked Draco in special ways he loved. Today was such a day that she planned to remind him how grateful she was.
"I'll just be at Draco's office for a few hours. I plan on taking him to lunch, so floo there if you need anything," Hermione paused in explanation to Narcissa, "Finnley is getting better about sitting in the highchair for lunch, but sometimes still likes to be held. His food is in the fridge, some mixture Toby prepared that Finnley loves."
"Don't worry, we'll all have fun," Narcissa smiled, lightly bouncing Finnley in her arms. "You get out of the house and go see Draco. You both need time just the two of you."
Hermione smiled, grateful for Narcissa. She hugged her, and kissed Finnley before walking over to Ariana who was coloring, "Can you be a big helper and help Nan with whatever she needs?"
"Yes mummy," Ariana replied, looking up from her page.
"Ok I love you darling," Hermione murmured leaning down to kiss Ariana on the top of her head, before walking into the library.
She stood before the fireplace and took out her wand, she quickly transfigured her jeans and maroon jumper into a tight black pencil skirt, and a tight white jumper. Grabbing the black heels and coat from the chair where she left them, she put them both on before walking towards the fireplace and disappearing into the emerald flames.
She stood before the fireplace in the lobby of Draco's office.
"Miss Granger!" Caroline, Draco's secretary called out, rushing to her feet, "Draco didn't mention that you would be stopping by."
"That's because he doesn't know," Hermione winked before leaning closer, "He hasn't taken his lunch yet has he?"
Caroline shook her head, "No and he doesn't have a meeting til three this afternoon."
"Ok, thank you," Hermione smiled before walking to the large double doors that led to Draco's office.
Hermione looked back at Caroline momentarily who was smiling to herself as she was bent over paperwork. The first time Hermione had met Caroline, she was overwhelmed with feeling inferior to the fair haired woman. Draco had reassured her that nothing untold was going on, as Caroline was very happily involved with a woman, one of the reasons Draco had hired her, he had admitted. He explained to Hermione that he had learned as a child not to mix his business with pleasure, and since he saw his secretary everyday he had no desire to employ someone that was tempting in the least.
Pulling out her wand, Hermione quickly did away with Draco's wards and silencing spell, recognizing the distinct feel of Draco's magic. Opening the door she peered inside, pleased that the sound of the door opening was muffled by the plush cream carpet.
Draco was seated behind a beautiful mahogany desk, his face turned down looking at a large scroll that trailed off the desk. Hermione shut the door behind her quietly, and began walking over to her wizard.
When she was five feet away, Draco looked up surprised which was soon replaced with a wide smile.
"What are you doing here love?" Draco asked, laying down the scroll as Hermione walked around to his side of the desk.
She crawled onto his lap, "Just came for a visit, hope you don't mind."
"I never mind seeing you," Draco said licking his lips as he got a good look at the witch in his arms. While he loved having her home, he also loved to see her in her tight skirts and tight shirts that she used to wear for work.
Hermione kissed him lightly, "Have I told you how grateful I am that you support my decision to stay home?"
Draco chuckled, "Yes you've told me and shown me many times, and each time I've told you, that I would do anything to make you happy, and the fact that being home with our children makes you happy, that's just a bonus."
"Well it doesn't change how appreciative I am," she purred, kissing his ear. Draco moaned and rubbed her back, pulling her into him, as her lips trailed down his jawline. "Let me show you how appreciative I am."
oOoOoOoOoOo
Twenty minutes later, Draco wiped the sweat from his brow as Hermione climbed off of his lap and put her skirt and bra back on.
Draco zipped his trousers back up before pulling Hermione back onto his lap, before she had a chance to put her shirt back on, "Hermione, you're magnificent."
She giggled, "You're quite wonderful yourself."
They were quiet for a time, as their breathing slowed back down. Draco's hand rubbed up her back, as he leaned back in his chair, allowing her to fall against him. "I want to take a vacation, the four of us. Anywhere you want."
Hermione turned her face to look at him, his grey eyes finding hers. She bit onto her lower lip before responding, "It's just we have so much going on, so much is changing."
"I know, and we need a break, a small one. Just us, we can have mother come if you want, so she can watch the kids and you and I can be for a while," his voice was steady, comforting, "Everything will be here when we get back."
Hermione nodded, before quietly replying, "Ok, but somewhere warm, with sand. I want them to see the beach."
"Whatever you want," Draco smiled widely, happy that he could spoil her. "I'll plan everything, don't worry."
"Ok," she said simply before laying back against his chest. "We have the showings this Saturday."
His nod the only response as his hair resumed rubbing her back, "I love you Hermione."
"I love you too."
oOoOoOoOoOo
Saturday found Draco in a warm coat, with Finnley in a woven wrap on his front, and Hermione holding Ariana's hand, as they headed for the fourth house. Draco had liked the second but said it still was too small, with only 3 bedrooms, while Hermione hadn't been settled on either.
"This house is situated just outside of the little village of Hurley, and Maidenhead is just fifteen minutes away by car, if you have one Miss Granger," their estate agent, Eleanor Hughes, said walking down the path towards them.
They stood before a stone archway that led to the gardens of the property, having apparated just on the other side of the wards.
"It sits on 3.22 acres, and has Thames river access. It currently has wards, and real estate access only, as it hasn't been lived in for a few months," Eleanor continued to explaining, now leading them through the archway.
Hermione's eyes immediately went to the large home, it was mixture of red brick, stone, some stucco, and lots of ivy covering this side of the house. There seemed to be a lot of windows, something that greatly pleased both herself and Draco.
"Let's head inside and I'll tell you more about the house, it's quite cool," the older witch smiled, leading them up to the back garden door, which led them into a comfortable sitting room, currently devoid of furniture.
Hermione had been right, the windows allowed a lot of natural light in, and even without the furniture, the room felt warm and airy, "It's beautiful, so far," she smiled, undoing her robes, and helping Ariana take off her hat and gloves.
"The main house is comprised of 5-6 bedrooms, three bathrooms, the entrance lobby, drawing room, the room we are currently in, sitting room, refectory, dining room, kitchen, study, and another study or sitting room. There is also an annex with a kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, living room, bathroom and gallery bedroom," she paused, to watch the couple look at each other. "The grounds has a large barn, carport, two summer homes, private gated rear drive, moat, carp pond, swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn and 150 feet of River Thames frontage."
Hermione smiled, a warm knowing smile at Draco, who smirked, "Well Mrs. Hughes, please show us the property, so we can be sure," Hermione beamed.
Their tour of the home and some of the grounds took an hour, and by the end Draco asked for the papers to be drawn up and sent to him as soon as possible.
After apparating back home, Hermione laid Finnley down for a nap, and Draco asked Toby to make them lunch. The house-elf had been a godsend the last few weeks.
"Papa when will we move into the new house?" Ariana asked from her barstool at the kitchen island.
"As soon as we take possession of the house, we can begin moving in, but I'm not sure when that will be," Draco explained, filling a cup with water for Ariana and grabbing two butterbeers for he and Hermione.
"Will I get to decorate my room at the new house?" Ariana asked.
"Of course you can, do you not like your decorations here?" Draco worried.
"I like them, I just want more pink," Ariana giggled, "A lot more pink."
"Ok love, whatever you want," Draco laughed, kissing her on the forehead as Toby put a bowl of stew in front of him and Ariana.
"Be careful little miss, very hot," Toby smiled, before setting another bowl down beside Draco.
Ariana blew on her food, to cool it down, while they waited on Hermione, who came back into the kitchen a few minutes later, "Oh you didn't need to wait on me."
They all tucked into their food, allowing the warm stew to warm their still cold fingers.
"Mum, will I get to go swimming in the summer?" Ariana asked.
"Yes, you will, and we'll have you take private swimming lessons, but you'll be getting a chance to swim sooner than summer," Hermione smirked.
Draco smiled, at his now curious child, "What do you mean? What does she mean papa?"
"I'm taking you, mum and Finn on vacation this coming week. We're going to go someplace warm and with a beach, would you like that love?" Draco teased.
"Yes papa!" Ariana exclaimed, "What about Aster?" her voice suddenly very worried.
"We'll have someone watch her, maybe Aunt Andy and Teddy can watch her while we're gone," Draco inquired.
"Yes, Teddy can watch her, he'll enjoy playing with her," Ariana added thoughtfully.
"Can you go shopping with Nan this afternoon for some summer clothes? Mum and I need to begin packing," Draco asked, with a low undercurrent in his voice.
"Yes," Ariana nodded, before dropping to the floor and running out of the kitchen.
"I'll floo mother. She didn't have any plans, and it'll give us some time to ourselves," Draco whispered as he walked by Hermione's chair.
30 minutes later Draco came back into the kitchen where Hermione was going over some things that needed packed with Toby. Resting his hands on her hips, he pulled her bum into him and pulled her up to be flush with his body, "She'll be gone for two hours, Finnley will be up in an hour, we have no time to waste."
Hermione, stuttered, "Toby, uh get this list packed for now. Draco and I will be in our bedroom, for a bit, so don't worry about the packing from that room," Hermione stammered, standing up and allowing Draco to grab her hand and began leading her out of the kitchen.
As soon as the kitchen door shut, he pinned her to the wall of the hallway, he captured her lips with his own, and lightly outlined her lower lip with his tongue. As she ran her hands up his back, he reached forward and gripping both wrists, raised them above her head, as he trailed hot kisses down her jawline, and onto her neck.
Finally he let go of her, and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and they continued kissing until he quietly nudged their bedroom door open with his back. Hermione broke from his lips, and pulled her wand out of her jean pocket, she cast a quick muffalito over Finnley's crib, and a notice-me-not over them, in case he woke up.
Draco threw Hermione onto the bed, and quickly kneeled beside of her, "I need to taste you, and be inside of you," his voice was low, almost a groan, but full of promise.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Monday morning had Draco and Hermione rushing around just before dawn, they had an international portkey that was due to take them on vacation at seven. With Toby's help they had packed everything, but with a last minute necessary outfit change for both children, forgetting to pack the bottles, things were a little crazy.
"Ariana my love, please stop crying. We'll be back soon, and you can see Aster then," Hermione kneeled down, hugging Ariana, trying to comfort the crying five year old.
"Good morning loves," Narcissa called, walking from the library, "Ariana, darling, what's wrong?"
Ariana sniffled, "Aster."
"Oh sweet, I've spoken to Andromeda, she said that Aster is very happy, and sleeping with Teddy," Narcissa assures, before looking up at Hermione, "How can I help?"
"Could you please grab Finnley, and change his clothes, I need to check in with Toby and pack bottles. We forgot to pack bottles."
Narcissa smiled, "I've got it. Ariana let's go get your brother ready for vacation," she grasped Ariana's hand and they walked to the master bedroom, as Draco walked out of the room.
"Hermione, did you remember to pack extra inserts for his diapers? I just found a whole basket of them in the closet," he asked walking towards her.
"Good Godric, what else did we forget?" she groaned, "Ok I'll get the bottles can you pack the inserts?"
"Yes," Draco turned back for the bedroom, as Hermione headed into the kitchen.
Toby was waiting by the door with a small bag, "Missus Hermione, I is packing the bottles for Misters Finnley."
"Oh Toby, thank you so much," Hermione smiled, "Ok can we go over the week?"
"Yes missus," Toby nodded.
"Ok you can stay here or at Narcissa's, check the post for anything important, but we've told everyone that we'll be gone. However if there is something important, you know how to reach us?" Hermione looked up to see Toby nodding, "Can you begin packing up the summer and fall wardrobes, as well as all of the guest bedroom. Back up all the books in the house, except for the ones on the nightstands, and in Ariana's room, please," Hermione mentally went over the list again, and looked down at the elf who was currently in what she assumed were children's rainbow leggings and a bright yellow shirt, "Is that too much work for you while we're gone?"
"No missus. What would you like me to do if I have down time?" Toby asked.
"I want you to relax Toby. Please make yourself your favorite food, and enjoy some of this vacation for yourself. Make sure the house is still in one piece, but nothing needs done while we're gone," Hermione smiled, but Toby continued to look confused. "It would please me greatly if you would relax and enjoy your time."
Toby's face switched from confusion to confidence, as he heard the need to please Hermione. "Toby will enjoy his time, Missus Hermione."
"Thank you Toby, and if you have need of us, please don't hesitate," Hermione smiled again, she loved how Toby just seemed like an extension of the family.
Hermione walked out of the kitchen to find Ariana sitting on the floor by the bags, reading. Finnley was in the arms of Narcissa squealing with delight at the balls of light Draco was conjuring for his enjoyment.
"Ok I've just talked to Toby, everything is settled," Hermione explained, checking her wrist watch, "Only a few more minutes left, do we have everything?"
Draco assured her that they would be fine, that they had everything they needed as she worried her lip.
When 2 minutes had passed, Hermione put on the backpack she was going to carry, which had all of the kids things in it, shrunken and lighted to fit in the pack. Draco had all of their stuff in his own backpack, and Narcissa had a traveling bag.
"Ariana come here darling," Hermione stated, holding her arms open for Ariana. She picked her up and tucked her on her hip, while Narcissa handed over Finnley to Draco. Narcissa then turned and picked up an old copy of the daily prophet, and held it forward, flat on the palm of her hand.
"Should be any second now," Narcissa muttered, as Hermione and Draco grasped it tightly.
The daily prophet glowed neon blue, and they felt the pull around their midsection, before they felt ground beneath their feet again.
Hermione turned and looked in the direction behind her, her eyes only seeing clear blue ocean, she turned to Draco.
"Welcome to Isle eau Bien-Aimé," Draco smirked.
To be continued...